AUSTRIA

Austria’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it an amazing destination for travelers seeking a well-rounded European experience.

Geography and Regions

Austria’s Alpine region offers breathtaking landscapes with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque villages. It’s a popular destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. The country is bordered by eight countries, making it a good kicking off point for visiting neighboring countries including Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Cultural

Austria has a rich cultural heritage that has made a significant impact on the world. The country is known for its contributions to classical music, with iconic composers like Mozart and Beethoven hailing from Austria. Also, there have been many movies filmed in the beautiful hills of Austria, including the iconic “Sound of Music”.

Salzburg

Vienna

Art and Architecture

Austria showcases a blend of architectural styles, from baroque and neoclassical to modern designs. The historic buildings, palaces, and museums reflect Austria’s rich history and artistic achievements.

Coffeehouse Culture

Austria has a unique social tradition built around coffee houses. These cafes are highly popular as places where people gather, sort of like bars are in American (LOL). They have very relaxed atmospheres and are often busy with folks drinking coffee, reading, socializing, or working.

Culinary Highlights

Traditional Austrian cuisine blends influence from its Eastern European neighbors, with popular dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher torte, and various types of sausages. My favorite is Backhendl, which is fried chicken that has a uniquely tasty and crispy outside that is out of this world. Breakfasts in Austria are similar to those you’ll find throughout most of Europe with pastries, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, and boiled eggs.

Christmas Markets

Austrian Christmas markets are famous worldwide for their festive charm. Cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season. If you haven’t been to the Christmas markets in Europe, add it to your bucket list. The way they transform these cities into magical holiday wonderlands is just amazing, and Vienna is recognized as having one of the very best in all of Europe.

Palaces and Castles

Austria has an array of stunning palaces and castles. Schönbrunn Palace, a Unesco World Heritage site, is one of the most visited places in all of Austria. Others worth visiting are Hofburg Imperial Palace and Hohensalzburg Castle.

Lakes and Spa Resorts

Beyond the mountains, Austria offers serene lakes like Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See. The country also has a tradition of spa and wellness retreats, particularly in regions like Bad Gastein.

Language

The official language is German. While locals widely speak English, especially in tourist areas, they appreciate visitors who learn a few German phrases. To make communication easier, consider downloading Microsoft’s translator app.

Safety and Health

Austria is generally a safe country for travelers and it has a very low crime rate. Tap water is safe to drink. Overall, Austria offers a welcoming and secure environment for visitors.

Currency and Payment

The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Although credit and debit cards enjoy wide acceptance, travelers should carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Public Transportation

Austria has an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is a reliable way to travel between cities.

WINTER

Ski some of the best powder in the world at one of Austria’s famous ski resorts such as Kitzbühel or St. Anton.

SUMMER

Summer in Austria is an outdoor lover’s dream. There are countless hiking trails, scenic lakes, and outdoor activities. Check out the beautiful Salzkammergut region.